Trappers ??

Are there any Trapers here? I am thinking about trying my luck with trying to trap coyotes. So far I have looked at some of the duke traps that basspro sale. I really don't know much about traping at all. So I thought I would start with trying to find those that are experinced before just jumping into something. What kind of trap would you recommend? What Size? Techniques, and where to set traps? Do you bait and set traps under the bait? Do you use scent lures? Thanks for any advice.

Google search for your local trappers association, should be able to get good info from them. Just about every where there should be a guy who has been trapping for yrs. The guys I know that are good at it use mostly snares for yotes and foxes, couldn't tell you what sizes or anything like that though.

Are there any Trapers here? I am thinking about trying my luck with trying to trap coyotes. So far I have looked at some of the duke traps that basspro sale. I really don't know much about traping at all. So I thought I would start with trying to find those that are experinced before just jumping into something. What kind of trap would you recommend? What Size? Techniques, and where to set traps? Do you bait and set traps under the bait? Do you use scent lures? Thanks for any advice.

You need to check your trapping laws, many states have jaw spread limits and method restrictions and on and on....

I personally use #3's modified heavily with 1/4- 3/8ths jaw lamination, 4 coil, base plate jaws looped or bubbled and at least three swivels and a cushion and nite latched. The other trap I've been using is a #2 Bridger modified the same as above, it's giving me a little lower catches across the pad instead of up higher which causes a little more cuts but they can catch to low if your not setting them correctly and toe pinch. I also snare a lot, using 1/16th or 5/64 cable with a chained cam lock, a 50# kill spring and a loaded loop, swiveled in the middle and the second section 3/32 with quick loop at 6 or 10ft long depending on trail or fence and a break away to keep the bovine out.

Trapping is best learned from another trapper in the field, like what was mentioned above, go to the trappers association in your state and there will usually be guys who are willing to mentor you. If your in Montana I could help you out.

Learning to trap is a little more involved than you'd first expect but a little challenge is fun. You'll learn far more from your mistakes than your first catches. This trapping season will soon be winding down. You've got the better part of a year to bone up on information. There's many good resources like books and videos as well as your upcoming State Trappers Convention which you should definitely attend. Spending money on information is money well spent. Of course, read your State's Trapping Regulations and commit them to memory. Get around other trappers from the same region as you if you can. It'll cut years off the learning curve. Almost any trap will catch an animal but I wouldn't be to quick to jump on a sale unless your pretty sure, after you've done all your research, that's what you want. Sometimes it's like having a sub-compact when a pickup would have been a better choice. There's quite a bit to know about equipment more than the size and price. What works well in one region may not be the best choice in another, depending upon weather conditions and typical substrate. IMO, the place to start coyote trapping is personal instruction from an experienced trapper (not always available), books, videos and conventions with live demonstrations and not so much from purchasing traps.

I'm self taught and run about 20 dozen snares a season. My catch rate increases every year and I'm constantly learning. Check out trapperman forums and the bucket of guts forums for some good basic sets to get started. The experts will tell you what size traps to use in your location. Keep it basic, don't go overboard on products and scents. The high numbers guys keep it simple.

If you are going to start trapping all the above posts are great info. I would highly recommend a book called "hoof beats of a wolfer" BY Ogorman out of Broadus, MT. It is full of great info and will get you headed down the right path. I have watched some DVD,s by a fella named Mark June that very informative as well.